Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Add walnuts, salt, cayenne pepper, paprika and maple syrup to a small mixing bowl and stir well until combined. You can make this ahead to combine the flavors, just store in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Place salmon fillets on a plate and spoon the mixture over each piece of fish, distributing it as evenly as you can.
Add olive oil to a large oven-proof pan over high heat. When the pan is hot, add the pieces of fish and let them cook for about 2 minutes to sear the skin. You will see the flesh tighten.
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and continue cooking the fish for about 5-8 minutes, depending on desired doneness and thickness of the fillets.
Garnish with thyme and serve.
